LAKE WINNEBAGO, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) – Throughout the summer, the Oshkosh Yacht Club will teach the art of sailing to children.

“We just want it to be enjoyable,” said sailing instructor Emily Scherer. “The first day is all about getting everyone in a boat, getting them used to it, having a fun time, and then we just build from there.”

Kids sail the International Optimist.

“The beginners will learn how to sail upwind and downwind,” said sailing instructor Abe Weston. “Then we eventually teach them how to race sailboats.”

There are three program tiers for kids: opti sailing camp for beginners, learn to race for intermediates and opti race – team Oshkosh for advanced sailors.

“It’s really cool to give a kid a boat and show them how to use it,” said head instructor Tom Rorrer. “Having them realize that they can be independent, and they can kind of take control of things, and it’s really cool to see those kids.”

This year’s summer program runs from June 10 to Aug. 8.

“I think that if I was stranded on an island with one of those things, I could probably get away with it,” said sailing student Ryan Jansen.

For more information on the program, visit the Oshkosh Yacht Club website.